Understanding Text-Dependent Questions

Overview: Understanding Text-Dependent Questions is a 1-4 hour module designed to promote understanding of how text-dependent questions support the key shifts required by the Common Core State Standards for ELA/Literacy.

How to Get Started: You are encouraged to customize any or all portions of this module to meet the needs of your audience if you are facilitating this module for professional development. After completing this module, you are encouraged to engage with the key shifts required by the CCSSM through the iTunes U Courses, created by teachers for teachers.

All times are suggested and can be expanded to incorporate more discussion as needed. Any portions of this module may be modified, reproduced, and disseminated without prior permission.

The User's Guide is a detailed guide for you, the self learner and/or facilitator. The guide includes a summary of the contents of the module, followed by suggestions for using the module—whether you have 1 hour or 4 hours. There is a summary of each of the activities and full references/links for all papers, videos, and other web resources.

User's Guide

The presentation describes the key shifts in ELA/Literacy briefly and the dives deeply into the role of text-dependent questions in support of these key shifts, particularly the shift toward reading and writing grounded in evidential text. Please allow additional time for questions and discussion during and after the presentation.

Text-Dependent Questions

Creating and Evaluating Text-Dependent Questions: You will read an appropriately complex text for a particular grade level, working individually or with colleagues to evaluate, create, or modify a sequence of questions and tasks for the text, using two handouts: the Guide to Creating Text-Dependent Questions and the Checklist for Evaluating Question Quality. Examples of lessons with appropriately complex texts can be found here.

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